Man faces charges in bear’s slaying

A 76-year-old man who told police he was a hero because he saved his neighborhood faces charges after killing a bear in his backyard.

Auburn Police Chief Andrew J. Sluckis Jr. said that Richard P. Ahlstrand of 424 Leicester St. is charged with illegally killing a bear, illegally baiting a bear, illegal possession of a firearm and failure to secure a firearm.

Chief Sluckis said the bear is believed to have been attracted to a 50-gallon drum of birdseed Mr. Ahlstrand had in his backyard. He said Mr. Ahlstrand told police he heard a noise outside and felt in fear of his life.

“He went back inside, retrieved a shotgun and decided to shoot the bear,” Chief Sluckis said. “Obviously we believe if Mr. Ahlstrand was truly in fear for his life he would have stayed secured in his home and would have called the police.”

Police were called out to investigate the shooting at about 12:19 p.m. After talking to Mr. Ahlstrand, the state Environmental Police were called.

“After looking at the bear and the area, he stated that he was concerned there may be cubs waiting in the woods,” Chief Sluckis said.

Chief Sluckis said this time of year bears are likely with cubs.

“Not only was the bear not a threat to people, it may have had cubs waiting for it,” he said.

Chief Sluckis said bear are not common in Auburn. He said a mother and two cubs were seen in town a year ago and two years ago there were reports of another bear wandering around the town. In both cases, he said the bears were not aggressive toward people and ran away when confronted.

Police took possession of two .22 rifles and a 12-gauge shotgun from Mr. Ahlstrand’s home. He is expected to appear in Worcester District Court for arraignment at a later date.

Baiting of bear for any purpose is illegal in Massachusetts. In May 2012, a father and son pleaded guilty to baiting and shooting a bear in Royalston.

Contact George Barnes at gbarnes@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgebarnesTG